June 6th - This Date in Wine History

Alexander Byzantine Emperor

Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

  • The Byzantine emperor, Alexander died in 913 after playing tzykanisterion (Byzantine polo). He was viewed as lazy, lecherous, drunk and malignant.
  • The Alex. D. Shaw & Company received a trademark for Sherry-Wine in 1911.
  • The Australian Geographical Indication "Southern Fleurieu" was registered in 2001.
  • The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG designation was established in 2003.